"One would expect that Kevin would remain in intensive care, as a routine matter for 48 to 72 hours," Dr Davison said.

"During this time he would be mobilised and we would expect him to be walking tomorrow morning."

Dr Davison says Mr Rudd's new heart valve comes from a cow and is expected to last another 15 to 20 years.

Ms Rein says her husband's recovery is expected to take about two months and will require him to take a break from his ministerial duties.

"Our present challenge is not really that he won't recover with more energy than he's had before, but rather my challenge is to keep him as still as possible for as long as possible and for about eight weeks," she said.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard sent her cabinet colleague a cheerio during a Brisbane radio interview.

She says she spoke to him about the operation and had passed on her best wishes for a speedy recovery.

"He's got a real sense of confidence having been through it before," Ms Gillard told ABC Radio.